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You’re loving your new tattoo, but the peeling process is making you a little nervous—especially when you don’t see any ink beneath the peeling scabs. Is this normal, or is your tattoo totally ruined? Don’t panic. We’ve covered everything you need to know about scabbing and peeling tattoos, so you can know exactly why your ink looks the way it does. Plus, we'll let you know when there's a problem with your tattoo, and how to fix it if that's the case.
This article is based on an interview with our tattoo artist, Michelle Myles, co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo. Check out the full interview here.
Things You Should Know
- Tattoos tend to peel without any ink underneath as they heal normally. In rare cases, they can have missing ink due to an artist’s error.
- Peeling tattoos with missing ink aren’t usually anything to worry about. It’s normal for a tattoo to peel and lose a little bit of ink as your skin heals.
- Care for your tattoo diligently by keeping it clean, moisturized, dry, and out of the sun.
Steps
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Tips
- Some tattoo artists might touch up their own work for free. [27] X Research source However, it could be worth getting a new artist if your original artist messed up the tattoo to begin with. [28] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Call your doctor right away if you suspect that your tattoo might be infected . [29] X Research source Redness, irritation, and pain around your tattoo are all common signs of an infection.Thanks
- Don’t exercise for at least 5 days after you get a new tattoo. To play it extra safe, wait 2 weeks. Sweat can extend your tattoo’s healing process and even lead to an infection. [30] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEOz7fUeA8M
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEOz7fUeA8M
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEOz7fUeA8M
- ↑ https://archives.evergreen.edu/webpages/curricular/1999-2000/humanbio/TattooInk.htm
- ↑ https://tattooaim.com/tattoo-scab-came-off-and-no-ink-underneath/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEOz7fUeA8M
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/overworked-tattoo/
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/how-long-do-tattoos-peel-for/
- ↑ https://www.femaletattooers.com/tattoo-tips/tattoo-healing-stages-artists-explain-what-to-expect/
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/how-to-care-for-a-new-tattoo
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/how-to-care-for-a-new-tattoo
- ↑ https://www.bodylanguagetattoo.org/aftercare-crhd
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/how-often-lotion-on-new-tattoo/
- ↑ https://patient.uwhealth.org/education/after-care-instructions-for-permanent-tattooing
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/how-to-care-for-a-new-tattoo
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/tattoos/caring-for-tattooed-skin
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/when-can-i-scratch-my-tattoo/
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/tattoo-healing-process/
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/how-long-do-tattoos-peel-for/
- ↑ https://www.femaletattooers.com/tattoo-tips/tattoo-healing-stages-artists-explain-what-to-expect/
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/overworked-tattoo/
- ↑ https://www.femaletattooers.com/tattoo-tips/tattoo-cover-ups-tips-and-advice-from-artists/
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/tattoo-healing-process/
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/how-long-to-wait-for-tattoo-touch-up/
- ↑ https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tattoo-removal
- ↑ https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tattoo-removal/cost
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/how-long-to-wait-for-tattoo-touch-up/
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/overworked-tattoo/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tattoos.html
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/sweating-with-a-new-tattoo/
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